SEVEN BLACK-ROBED figures
filed along the fence opposite the
parking lot entrance to Edward
Leedskalnin's Coral Castle in
Homestead, Florida. Hours after
sunset and hidden from view, they
sat and began a quiet chant of
meditation. Behind them, five armed
men stood motionless and watchful.
The robed men were of a single
purpose, to seek out and control the
mind of Dr. Paul Malone.

The oppressive heat of the day had
given way to tolerable warmth, and
they settled in to wait. The fence
in front of them surrounded a square
grassy area about two hundred yards
on each side. The Coral Castle
comprised a smaller square area
seventy yards on a side within the
fenced compound. The closest side of
the castle to their position was
about one hundred yards inside the
fencing.

It was just after midnight when the
black-robed Servants of the Society
sensed the arrival of Dr. Malone. As
one, their perspective shifted, now
seeing through the eyes of their
prey, and sensing his inner most
thoughts.

Paul Malone cautiously walked
through the parking lot of the Coral
Castle. His every sense was alive
and he felt something different, a
bond with the world, which he had
never experienced. Something was
expanding his perceptions, helping
him perceive his environment with a
new clarity. Every sound resonated
deep in his being, every smell told
a story, and something else. He felt
protected.

The Servants
patiently watched as Dr. Malone
quietly approached the fence near
the one-story administration
building. In their minds eye, they
tracked his movements as he climbed
the fence and soon darted for the
cover of the castle walls; he headed
directly for the steps to the cellar
located near the center of the
enclosed area. Something must be
drawing him there − the artifacts.

Another figure entered the scene, a
big man moving with the speed and
grace of a panther. Well briefed by
Helop, the Servants recognized him,
Sir Markham's elite bodyguard. They
watched as he crept up behind Dr.
Malone and grabbed him around the
neck, lifting him off the ground in
a stranglehold.

Unexpectedly, a third man arrived,
pistol-whipping the big man who
reacted reflexively, releasing Dr.
Malone. The Servants shared the same
thought. Who is this? Their
briefing by Helop had only discussed
Sir Markham's bodyguard and Dr.
Malone.

The three men scuffled; after a
short but bloody battle, the third
man and Dr. Malone had Sir Markham's
bodyguard under control.

The seven black-robed men
motioned to the armed escorts
standing behind them. Their unspoken
message was clear: Be ready, we
may have to take action soon.